Hydrocortisone can reduce the serum levels of pro-inflammatory mediators (TNF, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8) in patients with septic shock, while inhibiting the activation of endothelial cells (based on the level of soluble E-selectin) and neutrophils (Keh et al., 2003; Oppert et al., 2005). Here, TNF is linked to septic shock.